U.S. patent number 8,671,853 [Application Number 13/642,651] was granted by the patent office on 2014-03-18 for adjustable desktop platform.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Gemmy Industries Corporation. The grantee listed for this patent is Daniel Flaherty. Invention is credited to Daniel Flaherty.
United States Patent |
8,671,853 |
Flaherty |
March 18, 2014 |
**Please see images for:
( Certificate of Correction ) ** |
Adjustable desktop platform
Abstract
An adjustable desktop workspace is disclosed having a base
having a lower platform, an upper platform, and two pivoting arms
mounted between the two. Each pivoting arm has a front and rear
bracket. A locking lever on each arm fixedly engages the platform
in an upright position at a variety of levels above the lower
platform. There are also two stabilizing bars to limit side-to-side
relative movement, and a biasing spring between the front and rear
brackets to aide moving the upper platform.
Inventors: |
Flaherty; Daniel (Irving,
TX) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Flaherty; Daniel |
Irving |
TX |
US |
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Assignee: |
Gemmy Industries Corporation
(Coppell, TX)
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Family
ID: |
49624209 |
Appl.
No.: |
13/642,651 |
Filed: |
July 30, 2012 |
PCT
Filed: |
July 30, 2012 |
PCT No.: |
PCT/US2012/048775 |
371(c)(1),(2),(4) Date: |
October 22, 2012 |
PCT
Pub. No.: |
WO2013/176690 |
PCT
Pub. Date: |
November 28, 2013 |
Prior Publication Data
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Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
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US 20130139736 A1 |
Jun 6, 2013 |
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Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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61651101 |
May 24, 2012 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
108/138;
108/17 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B
21/0314 (20130101); A47B 21/00 (20130101); A47B
21/02 (20130101); A47B 9/00 (20130101); A47B
21/04 (20130101); A47B 21/03 (20130101); A47B
9/16 (20130101); A47B 9/18 (20130101); A47B
2021/0335 (20130101); A47B 2200/0041 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A47B
11/00 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;108/17,96,95,138,65,69,43,50.01,50.02,42,48,90 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Other References
International Search Report Issued Oct. 26, 2012 in related
International Patent Application No. PCT/US2012/048775. cited by
applicant .
Written Opinion issued Oct. 26, 2012 in related International
Patent Application No. PCT/US2012/048775. cited by
applicant.
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Primary Examiner: Chen; Jose V
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Venable LLP Schwarz; Steven J.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An adjustable desktop workspace comprising: a. a base having a
lower platform defining a substantially flat lower work surface,
the lower platform being without legs and adapted to sit on an
existing desk; b. a substantially planar upper platform, the upper
platform defining a substantially flat, unobstructed upper work
surface; c. a first pivoting arm mounted between said base and said
upper platform, said first pivoting arm comprising a first front
bracket and a first rear bracket, the first front bracket and first
rear bracket movable between a position substantially parallel to
the lower platform and a position substantially perpendicular to
the lower platform; d. a second pivoting arm mounted between said
base and said upper platform, said second pivoting arm comprising a
second front bracket and a second rear bracket, the second front
bracket and the second rear bracket movable between a position
substantially parallel to the lower platform and a position
substantially perpendicular to the movable platform, wherein the
upper platform is in a lowered position substantially parallel to
the lower platform when the first and second front brackets and
first and second rear brackets are substantially parallel to the
lower platform, and the upper platform is in a raised position
substantially parallel to the lower platform when the first and
second front brackets and first and second rear brackets are
substantially perpendicular to the lower platform; and e. a first
locking lever associated with the first pivoting arm, the first
locking lever adapted to immobilize at least one of the first front
bracket or the first rear bracket at a plurality of locations, to
lock the upper platform in the raised position and in at least one
position between the lowered position and the raised position;
wherein the upper platform moves rearward with respect to the lower
platform when moved from the lowered position to the raised
position, and the lower platform includes a counterweight adapted
to offset weight of the upper platform when in the raised
position.
2. An adjustable desktop workspace as claimed in claim 1 further
comprising a removable inset in the base.
3. An adjustable desktop workspace as claimed in claim 1 further
comprising: one or more lateral stabilizing bars.
4. An adjustable desktop workspace as claimed in claim 3 wherein
the one or more lateral stabilizing bars include a rigid bar
connecting the first front bracket to the second front bracket.
5. An adjustable desktop workspace as claimed in claim 4 wherein
the one or more lateral stabilizing bars further include a second
rigid bar connecting the first rear bracket to the second rear
bracket.
6. An adjustable desktop workspace as claimed in claim 1 further
comprising: a biasing connection adapted to bias the upper platform
toward the raised position.
7. An adjustable desktop workspace as claimed in claim 6 wherein
the biasing connection comprises at least a first spring connecting
at least the first front bracket with the first rear bracket.
8. An adjustable desktop workspace as claimed in claim 7 wherein
the biasing connection comprises a second spring connecting the
second front bracket with the second rear bracket.
9. An adjustable desktop workspace as claimed in claim 1, wherein
the base is free-standing and adapted to rest upon another
surface.
10. An adjustable desktop workspace as claimed in claim 1, further
comprising a second locking lever associated with the second
pivoting arm, the second locking lever adapted to immobilize at
least one of the second front bracket or the second rear bracket at
a plurality of locations, to secure the upper platform in the
raised position and in at least one position between the lowered
position and the raised position.
11. An adjustable desktop workspace as claimed in claim 1, further
comprising a counterweight located on the lower platform, the
counterweight offset rearward from the upper platform when the
upper platform is in the raised position.
12. An adjustable desktop workspace comprising: a. a substantially
planar upper platform and a lower platform hingedly connected by a
first arm assembly and a second arm assembly, said upper platform
defining a substantially flat, unobstructed upper work surface and
said lower platform defining a substantially flat lower work
surface, wherein said lower platform is without legs and adapted to
sit on an existing desk; b. said first arm assembly comprising a
first front member and a first rear member, and said second arm
assembly comprising a second front member and a second rear member;
c. the first and second front bracket and the first and second rear
bracket movable between a position substantially parallel to the
lower platform and a position substantially perpendicular to the
lower platform, wherein the upper platform is in a lowered position
substantially parallel to the lower platform when the first and
second front brackets and first and second rear brackets are
substantially parallel to the lower platform, and the upper
platform is in a raised position substantially parallel to the
lower platform when the first and second front brackets and first
and second rear brackets are substantially perpendicular to the
lower platform; d. a biasing mechanism extending between the first
front bracket and the first rear bracket, the biasing mechanism
being in a relaxed state when the first front bracket and first
rear bracket are substantially perpendicular to the lower platform;
and e. a first lever adapted to lock said first front bracket and
said first rear bracket substantially perpendicular to the lower
platform; wherein the upper platform moves rearward with respect to
the lower platform when moved from the lowered position to the
raised position, and the lower platform includes a counterweight
adapted to offset weight of the upper platform when in the raised
position.
13. An adjustable desktop workspace as claimed in claim 12 further
comprising: one or more lateral stabilizing bars.
14. An adjustable desktop workspace as claimed in claim 13 wherein
the one or more lateral stabilizing bars include a rigid bar
connecting the first front bracket to the second front bracket.
15. An adjustable desktop workspace as claimed in claim 14 wherein
the one or more lateral stabilizing bars further include a second
rigid bar connecting the first rear bracket to the second rear
bracket.
16. An adjustable desktop workspace as claimed in claim 12 wherein
the biasing mechanism comprises a spring connecting the first front
bracket to the first rear bracket.
17. An adjustable desktop workspace as claimed in claim 12 wherein
the lever is adapted to lock the upper platform in the raised
position and in at least one position between the lowered position
and the raised position.
18. An adjustable desktop workspace as claimed in claim 12, wherein
the base is free-standing and adapted to rest upon another
surface.
19. An adjustable desktop workspace as claimed in claim 12, further
comprising a second lever adapted to lock said second front bracket
and said second rear bracket substantially perpendicular to the
lower platform.
20. An adjustable desktop workspace as claimed in claim 12, further
comprising a counterweight located on the lower platform, the
counterweight offset rearward from the upper platform when the
upper platform is in the raised position.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Technical Field
This application relates generally to ergonomic workplace
environments, and more particularly to an adjustable desktop
platform.
Sitting for long periods of time during the work day is not good
for one's health and wellness. Medical studies show that sitting
increases the rate of all-cause mortality, especially from
cardiovascular disease, diabetes and obesity, for example. People
who sit for most of the day are 50 percent more likely to die of
heart attacks. Even if you exercise, the longer you sit the greater
the chances you will die. Sitting shuts down the circulation of the
fat-absorbing enzyme lipase, while standing up engages muscles and
promotes the distribution of lipase, which prompts the body to
process fat and cholesterol, independent of the amount of time
spent exercising.
There are desks available to be used while standing, and even desks
adapted for use while a user is on a treadmill.
However, standing for very long periods of time to work is more
tiring, dramatically increases the risks of carotid atherosclerosis
because of the additional load on the circulatory system, and
increases the risks of varicose veins.
Taking regular breaks from sitting for prolonged periods of time
can have several positive outcomes. For example, standing can
provide more energy during the work day. In addition, because
standing burns more calories than sitting, standing can also result
in weight loss without changes in diet or exercise. It is also
harder to become more tired or lose focus when standing.
Because regular breaks from sitting are beneficial, and because
many people during the work day want to remain productive while
taking breaks from sitting, and because everyone will sit and stand
for different lengths of time at different times during the day,
there exists a need to create a work environment that is ergonomic
for someone standing as well as sitting, and allows the transition
to be easy, quick and simple.
BRIEF SUMMARY
An advantage of the present invention is to provide an adjustable
desktop platform that can transition between a lower operating
position and an upper operating position quickly, easily and
simply.
A related advantage of the present invention is to provide an
adjustable desktop platform that can transition between a lower
operating position and a variety of higher positions.
Another advantage of the present invention is to provide an
adjustable desktop platform that can convert existing desktop
workspaces to height-adjustable workspaces.
In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, an
adjustable desktop workspace comprises a base having a lower
platform; an upper platform; two pivoting arms mounted between the
base and the upper platform, each pivoting arm further comprised of
a front and rear bracket; and a locking lever on each arm for
fixedly engaging the platform in an upright position.
In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, an
adjustable desktop workspace comprises an upper and lower platform
hingedly connected by a first and second arm assembly; the first
and second assembly comprised of a front and rear member; the
members each having a first end and a second end, wherein said
first end is connected to the base, and wherein the second end is
connected to said platform; the front member is operably engaged to
the rear member by a biasing mechanism; and a lever for locking
engagement of the first and second arm assembly in an upright
position.
Other objects and advantages will become apparent from the
following descriptions, taken in connection with the accompanying
drawings, wherein, by way of illustration and example, an
embodiment of the present invention is disclosed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
Embodiments of the invention and its use will be understood by
reference to the following detailed description when read in
conjunction with the accompanying Figures wherein:
FIG. 1 is a perspective, cutaway view of an embodiment of the
adjustable desktop platform invention shown in fully upright
position.
FIG. 2 is a top view of the embodiment of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is a front view of the embodiment of the invention shown in
FIG. 1.
FIG. 4 is a side view of the embodiment of the invention shown in
FIG. 1.
FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the preferred embodiment of the
adjustable desktop platform shown in FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Detailed description of embodiments is provided herein. It is to be
understood, however, that the present invention may be embodied in
various forms. Various aspects of the invention may be inverted, or
changed in reference to specific part shape and detail, part
location, or part composition. Therefore, specific details
disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather
as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for
teaching one skilled in the art to employ the present invention in
virtually any appropriately detailed system, structure or
manner.
This specification outlines the development of an ergonomic work
environment to allow a user to work while sitting or standing, and
to transition between the two positions easily, quickly and
simply.
Embodiments of the invention use an adjustable desktop platform
along with a system of spring aided pivoting arms and a
multi-positional, adjustable, locking mechanism to raise and lower
the desktop platform to provide a work space at a level useable for
someone in a sitting position, and transition to provide a work
space useable for someone in a standing position. Embodiments of
the invention include counterweights, covers and supports for added
safety.
Turning first to FIG. 1, there is shown an adjustable desktop
platform 10 according to an illustrated embodiment of the
invention. Adjustable desktop platform 10 includes a base platform
15 intended to set on an existing worker's desk. The desktop
platform 25 is separated from base-platform 15 by a predetermined
space. The space between base platform 15 and desktop platform 25
can be large enough to store a computer keyboard and mouse, and
allow for the use thereof. In addition, shown in FIG. 1 is a
spring-loaded pivoting bracket assembly 28 connecting base platform
15 and desktop platform 25. Pivoting bracket assembly 28 can
include pivoting arms located near each lateral side of the
platforms 15, 25, with each pivoting arm including front and rear
brackets 32, 31. As will be described in connection with FIG. 5,
below, a locking mechanism is also included so as to prevent the
unintended change in position of adjustable desktop platform 10, as
well as allow the stability of adjustable desktop platform 10 to
support a laptop computer, computer monitor, keyboard and/or
computer mouse, among other items.
In the lowered position, pivoting brackets 31 and 32 are in a
generally horizontal position and desktop platform 25 is over base
platform 25, whereas in the fully upright position, desktop
platform 25 is raised with pivoting brackets 31 and 32 in the
generally vertical position. In the fully upright position, desktop
platform 25 is also moved forward closer to the user, relative to
base platform 15. Because desktop platform 25 is designed to be
used in a workspace environment, and would likely have computer
equipment such as screen, keyboard and mouse thereon, the added
forward weight is counterbalanced by counterweight 35 shown towards
the far end of base platform 15. As will be appreciated, the
specific weight of counterweight 35 can be modified to the
particular applications and may depend on the weight of the
desktop, the length of the pivoting arms and the shape of the
desktop platform, among other things.
As is shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 5, base platform 15 may also include
a removable insert 38. Removable insert 38 can easily be removed or
inserted depending upon the user's individual preferences for their
workspace. As shown in FIG. 3, but omitted in other figures to
allow the illustration of other mechanical features, there are also
included side covers 41 and 42 on the side ends of base platform
15. Side covers 41 and 42 provide a safety feature so that when a
user is adjusting desktop platform 10 up or down, the user's
fingers and/or other things are less likely to get caught in the
moving mechanism. Further, side covers 41 and 42 provide an
aesthetically pleasing view, rather than a user seeing the
mechanical assemblies.
Turning next to FIG. 3, FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, there is shown in more
detail the adjusting mechanism of the present invention.
Specifically, in FIG. 3, left and right pivoting brackets 28 are
shown. Each pair of pivoting brackets 28 includes a forward
multi-positional, adjustable pivoting bracket 31, as well as a rear
stabilizing pivoting bracket 32 as shown in FIG. 4. Each bracket is
secured to base platform 15 and the desktop platform 25 through the
generally L-shaped attaching brackets 45 shown, which are secured
to the respective platforms through, for example, screws.
Springs 34 are also included to assist the user in countering the
weight of the desktop platform 25 and any material thereon, such as
a computer, screen, keyboard and mouse, to allow for smooth, easy
raising and lowering of the desktop platform. Springs 34 are shown
in FIG. 5. Each spring 34 is connected between forward pivoting
bracket 31 and rear pivoting bracket 32. In the fully upright
position, springs 34 are in the natural, relaxed position, and in
the fully lowered position, springs 34 are in the stretched
position. Alternate spring-assisted designs are readily
appreciated. As will be appreciated, the size, length, and spring
force of the springs can be chosen for the particular anticipated
environment, including the desktop weight, the anticipated weight
of material on the desktop, the strength of the users, etc.
For additional security and stability, there is also included a
locking mechanism 50, which also secures desktop platform 25 at a
variety of distances from base platform 15. This feature is
accomplished by the series of holes 51 in each of forward pivoting
brackets 31. The series of holes 51 interacts with the pins and
brackets 55 as shown in detail in FIG. 5. These pins fit in forward
pivoting bracket holes 51 and prevent further movement of the
desktop platform relative to the base platform. The pins are
inserted into and removed from holes 50 by the levers 62 on either
side of desktop platform 25 and are secured to the underside of
desktop platform 25 by retaining brackets 64. Each lever 62 is
connected by a wire 67 to pins such that by movement of the lever,
the pins may be inserted into or removed from the holes of forward
pivoting bracket 31. The wire is not shown in FIG. 5, so as to not
obscure the remaining features, though is understandable by those
in the art. In the preferred embodiment, lever 62 is connected by
wire 67 to the near set of pins, though may be connected to the far
set of pins, depending upon the desired design and environment.
Forward lateral stabilizing bar 72 and rear lateral stabilizing bar
75 or supports are also shown in FIG. 5 and are employed to help
reduce unwanted side-to-side relative movement between base
platform 15 and desktop platform 25.
While the invention has been described in connection with some
preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the scope of the
invention to the particular form set forth, but on the contrary, it
is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and
equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the
invention as defined by the currently or later appended claims.
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